Approval Responses

Positive reinforcement is naturally reinforcing to use! Using consistent behavior modification techniques we can train for independence, preparing individuals to transfer information and/or skills across new situations beyond the context and relationships from which they were learned. Beyond the natural reinforcement that arises from a successful activity itself, however, we can intervene to modify and shape behavior using immediate, contingent responses. There are several types of approval or disapproval responses, including words either spoken or written, nonverbal expressions either facial or bodily, proximity such as nearness or touching, activities either social or individual, and things including materials, food, playthings, awards, etc. Dr. Madsen compiled an extensive overview of possible responses for each reinforcing or punishing approval so that we could develop those which work for us and the populations we serve.

I want to expand my repertoire of approval responses, and so selected those which might be appropriate. Please feel free to read which from the book I selected, or better yet - turn to page 198 (or page 260) in Teaching / Discipline: A Positive Approach for Educational Development to develop your own!

Words:

• Awesome
• Great
• Nice
• Clean
• That's wonderful
• That's right
• Very good
• For sure!
• Sure thing
• I like the way you __________
• Thank you for __________
• Clear thinking!
• I appreciate your attention
• You catch on quickly
• Exactly
• Absolutely
• Good responses
• I really like the way (name) is __________
• Cool
• How creative!
• Interesting questions
• That is respectable
• I'm proud of you
• You've really learned/grown/changed a lot
• You make being a teacher worthwhile
• I'm so happy you enjoy __________
• You will go far

Nonverbal Expressions:

• Eye contact
• Smiling
• Grinning
• Widening eyes
• Nodding
• Raising eyebrows
• Happy laughter or chuckling
• Cheering
• Rolling eyes enthusiastically
• Clapping hands
• Raising arms
• Signaling O.K.
• Thumbs up
• Dancing
• Taking a fast breath

Proximity:

• Interacting outside of sessions
• Sitting within the group
• Standing alongside
• Walking among
• Gently guiding
• Pausing while transferring objects
• Leaning towards
• Patting back
• Patting shoulder
• Touching arm
• Dancing with
• Shaking hands

Activities:

• Show and tell; displaying or sharing one's work
• Presenting one's hobby or skill
• Collecting and/or putting away materials
• Helping others
• Contributing to group discussions
• Being a group leader
• Recognizing birthdays
• Special seating arrangements
• Choosing activities
• Listening to music
• Outdoor activities
• Musical games
• Dancing
• Talent shows

Things:

• Books
• Magazines
• Markers
• Crayons
• Coloring pages
• Word puzzles
• Sudoku puzzles
• Paint supplies
• Colored paper
• Board games
• Basketball
• Playing cards
• Hand lotion
• Musical toys
• Drums
• Guitar
• Keyboard
• Karaoke machine
• Stereo/CD Player
• Bingo prizes, i.e., hats, deodorant, pencil pouches, socks, etc.
• Gum
• Sugar free cookies
• Stamps and letter stationary

Variety is the spice of approval responses - mix it up! Attend to individual differences and reinforce accordingly. Find what works for you, those you serve, and the environment. These lists are my own, they are what I find fit my personality, either university students or individuals with serious mental illness, and the classroom or the psychiatric hospital. Now, find which complements you. And remember, positive reinforcement is naturally reinforcing to use!